Copyright (c) 2013 Chilkat Valley News, All rights reserved. http://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/ en-us Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966 http://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/ http://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/cms_data/dfault/images/.TEMP/companylogoTEMP144x144-5101.jpg 144 37 Chilkat Valley News - RSS Feed http://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/budget-122-million-reduction-in-tax-rates/4894.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/budget-122-million-reduction-in-tax-rates/4894.htmlOn a 4-2 vote, the Haines Borough Assembly approved its $12.2 million spending plan for the coming year Tuesday, including a reduction in the property tax rate inside and outside the townsite. Townsite landowners will pay 10.17 mills under the new budget, down from 10.79 mills last year. The base property tax rate outside the townsite was reduced to 7.03 from 7.63 mills. Property taxes will bring...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/print-edition/print-edition-of-newspaper/3359.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/print-edition/print-edition-of-newspaper/3359.htmlTo view the print editio...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/truck-breakdown-foils-would-be-thief/4895.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/truck-breakdown-foils-would-be-thief/4895.htmlA would-be thief who packed his truck full of $2,000 worth of stolen lumber at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds tried to pass himself off as the organization’s maintenance man. It didn’t work. The 56-year-old resident left a handwritten note on his Ford pick-up’s window after the jam-packed truck broke down a few feet from where the lumber was taken. “I’m the maintenance man and...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/21st-kcibr-saturday/4896.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/21st-kcibr-saturday/4896.htmlWhat started out as an international celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Haines Highway has grown into one of the premiere bicycling events in the North. The first Kluane-Chilkat International Bike Relay was held July 3, 1993, strategically timed to link the Fourth of July celebration in Haines with Canada Day festivities in Haines Junction, Y.T., on July 1. Thirty teams and about 150...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/gillnetters-expecting-leaner-season/4897.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/gillnetters-expecting-leaner-season/4897.htmlHaines commercial fishermen say they’re expecting a dip in chum salmon prices this year and also say they’ll be watching for interception of Haines-bound sockeye by seine fishermen in northern Southeast, as biologists are forecasting a strong return of pink salmon. The Lynn Canal drift gillnet season starts Sunday with a two-day opening in districts south of Seduction Point. Last season’s...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/fishermanandaposs-effort-aims-to-help-hospital/4898.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/fishermanandaposs-effort-aims-to-help-hospital/4898.htmlA commercial gillnet fisherman has launched an effort aimed at raising money for the Seattle Children’s Hospital, and he’s hoping to get competing gear groups working together on the project. Jason Shull of Haines said he’s hoping to raise $30,000 this year through his “Haul for Hope” campaign that may be capped with a banquet later in the year. Shull said he started thinking about how...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/flag-day-observance-planned/4899.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/flag-day-observance-planned/4899.htmlFlag Day ceremonies will take place at the American Legion Hall starting at 6 p.m. Friday. “This is a great opportunity for our community to come out and honor our nation’s flag,” said Legion member Jim Moran. “It’s a great way to pay homage and respect to America’s symbol.” Jim Warner will give a presentation on the history of the U.S. flag. At the the site of the Soboleff- McRae...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/manager-contract-talk-heats-up/4900.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/manager-contract-talk-heats-up/4900.htmlDiscussion of Haines Borough Manager Mark Earnest’s contract became heated Monday, prompting an assembly member to request police presence at the personnel committee meeting due to an “unruly” audience. Seven residents spoke at the meeting, with their complaints ranging from Earnest’s “ridiculous” amount of leave time to his perceived mishandling of borough issues. Annie Boyce voiced...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/assistant-conflict-issue-to-get-attorney-review/4901.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/assistant-conflict-issue-to-get-attorney-review/4901.html Haines Borough Manager Mark Earnest said he is consulting with the borough attorney on whether assistant to the manager Darsie Culbeck’s employment with a mining firm constitutes a conflict of interest. Assembly member Steve Vick raised the issue at Tuesday’s assembly meeting and said it would probably be prudent to have Earnest check with borough attorney Brooks Chandler about Culbeck’s...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/hoops-court-honors-memory-of-williamson/4902.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/hoops-court-honors-memory-of-williamson/4902.htmlA Fort Seward basketball court doubles as a memorial for drowning victim Andrew Williamson. Williamson, an enthusiastic basketball player, died while swimming in Portage Cove in May 2010. He was 14. Larry Williamson this week described his son as a “smart, fun-loving kid, who was always surrounded by a group of friends.” “Andrew and his group of friends were always playing on my basketball...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/assembly-softens-crab-letter-terms/4903.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/assembly-softens-crab-letter-terms/4903.htmlThe Haines Borough Assembly voted unanimously Tuesday to remove mention of an emergency closure to the local Dungeness crab fishery from a letter to the Department of Fish and Game. In the original letter, mayor Stephanie Scott expressed concern that human and sea otter pressure on the fishery will ultimately decimate the crab biomass and prevent sustainable commercial, subsistence and personal...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/bury-utility-lines/4904.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/bury-utility-lines/4904.htmlUtility lines strung along Main Street, Third Avenue and the waterfront are a concern for some Haines Borough Assembly members, but the path to getting those lines buried is unclear. Assembly member Debra Schnabel said Tuesday she was disheartened the borough didn’t pursue buried power lines on the construction project at Beach Road and Old Haines Highway. “I don’t know how this happened...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/expert-plans-to-band-local-hummingbirds/4905.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/expert-plans-to-band-local-hummingbirds/4905.htmlFred Bassett, a national hummingbird expert, arrives in Haines Friday, June 14 to band rufous hummingbirds. Bassett recently banded 350 rufous hummingbirds in Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau this year and he hopes to band even more in Haines during his visit. “I’m hoping to band as many hummingbirds as I can,” said Bassett. There has been a spike of rufous hummingbird numbers in Georgia,...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/committee-chosen-to-oversee-heli-ski-map-boundaries/4906.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/committee-chosen-to-oversee-heli-ski-map-boundaries/4906.htmlSixteen residents and two heli-ski companies have submitted proposals to the Haines Borough regarding alterations to the heli-skiing map.   Residents who submitted proposals were entered into a drawing to determine which resident would represent the public on a five-member map committee.   The committee will meet at noon for the next three Fridays to discuss the proposals. Suggestions range...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/effort-looks-at-trapping-rules-in-other-towns/4907.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/effort-looks-at-trapping-rules-in-other-towns/4907.htmlThe Haines Borough Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is moving forward with plans to regulate trapping in the townsite and will start by researching high-use areas where trappers and recreationists tend to collide. Ron Jackson, vice chair of the committee, said the group is trying to stimulate discussion about areas that might need protection from trapping. Jackson said communities like...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/herbicide-rules-raise-concerns/4908.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/herbicide-rules-raise-concerns/4908.htmlA local conservation group is working with Haines Borough Mayor Stephanie Scott to address the potential use of herbicides and pesticides on state lands. In response to a recent change in state law that eliminates public review and a Department of Environmental Conservation permitting requirement for using chemicals on state land, Lynn Canal Conservation is asking the borough to consider how it...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/parking-enforcement-will-regain-teeth/4909.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/parking-enforcement-will-regain-teeth/4909.htmlIllegally-parked Haines motorists could soon see an unwelcome surprise tucked under their windshield wiper. The Haines Borough is considering an ordinance that would allow police officers to write parking tickets outside of a motorist’s presence. Under current law, officers are required to physically hand the ticket to the violator, making it extremely difficult to effectively police illegal...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/village-march-honors-subsistence-champion-katie-john/4910.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/village-march-honors-subsistence-champion-katie-john/4910.htmlKlukwan villagers on Saturday afternoon held a march in honor of Native subsistence champion Katie John. John, an Athabascan elder who won a landmark lawsuit defending her family’s traditional salmon-fishing site, died May 31 at age 97. Speaking at Saturday’s march, Chilkat elder Joe Hotch said John’s actions helped all subsistence users, not only Alaska Natives. “Our children and...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/mountaineer-swift-recounts-early-trail-maintenance-efforts/4911.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/mountaineer-swift-recounts-early-trail-maintenance-efforts/4911.htmlThere wasn’t much of a hiking culture when Paul Swift, 76, came to Haines in the early 1970s. “The town was geared to industry. Logging, mining and fishing... most guys were work- oriented,” Swift said. Swift talked about clearing the Mount Ripinsky trail at a presentation June 1 at the Sheldon Museum. He also spoke during an interview. Cut in by the Army in 1906, the trail formerly...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/business-briefs/4912.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/business-briefs/4912.htmlStern opens salon in home Hair Peace, a hair salon operated by Maggie Stern, opened June 3 on Helms Loop Road. Look for the sign above the garage. Stern specializes in all things hair, including perms, hair coloring and body waxing. Hair Peace “does not do nails,” Stern said. Stern previously worked at Salon Down Under at Second Avenue and Main Street. Hair Peace charges $30 for women’s...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/letters/statement-alleging-vandalism-untrue/4913.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/letters/statement-alleging-vandalism-untrue/4913.htmlIn the article in the CVN of June 6, regarding trespassing at Viking Cove, Karen Garcia reports that Sally Andersen said: “Einspruch is the only person disallowed from using the beach as he vandalized the family’s possessions and property.” This statement by Sally Andersen is completely untrue. I have never vandalized their property or ever damaged any of their property. I have posted a...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/accident-points-to-need-for-gun-safety/4914.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/accident-points-to-need-for-gun-safety/4914.htmlA few months ago, there was an incident involving myself, a handgun and my good friend’s leg. Thankfully, no permanent damage was done, but the sobering experience left all those who were there with a lesson in firearms etiquette that is sure to last a lifetime. I am writing this letter not only to apologize wholeheartedly to Jason Albecker and the Haines Volunteer Fire Department ambulance...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/letters/links-owners-make-benefit-a-success/4915.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/letters/links-owners-make-benefit-a-success/4915.htmlFor yet another year, thank you, Kathy and Stan Jones, for offering your beautiful Valley of the Eagles Golf Links for the Hospice of Haines benefit golf scramble last Saturday. (The wildflowers are glorious now and the wild irises are about ready to bloom.) And of course, thank you as well to Ralph and Dylan Swinton, Charlie and Toni DeWitt, Stuart and Lexie DeWitt, John Norton, Tom Heywood,...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/letters/friends-help-locate-stolen-kayak/4916.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/letters/friends-help-locate-stolen-kayak/4916.htmlThank you to everyone who helped me look for, and find, my kayak. I’m impressed by the number of you who helped me as I tried to track it down. From actively helping me search for it, along the coast, and door to door – to simply spreading the word and keeping a lookout for it – your help is extremely appreciated. Thank you to everyone who posted information online, alerting those inside...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/opinion/editorial/4917.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/opinion/editorial/4917.htmlA friend recently commented that there was “too much government news” in our newspaper. Another reader told me he thinks the newspaper does a good job, but he doesn’t like the local government stories because “they’re too depressing.” Comments like those are difficult for me to brook, insomuch as they reflect what I believe is a problem plaguing our nation – and our community. Part...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/duly-noted/duly-noted/4918.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/duly-noted/duly-noted/4918.htmlManager Susie McCartney said she has 12 vendors signed up for Saturday’s Farmer’s Market. It will be held 10 a.m. to noon under Payson’s Pavilion at the Southeast state fairgrounds. Kim Sundberg’s ballerinas will perform. Markets will be held weekly, same day, place and time. To perform or sell your wares at the market, contact Susie at 303-3038 or hainesfarmersmarket.org. Wednesday...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/obituaries/holmes-dies-at-95/4919.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/obituaries/holmes-dies-at-95/4919.htmlA celebration of the life of Florence Holmes was held May 28 in Fairbanks. She died May 19 at age 95. The second of five children born to P.B. “Doc” and Ella Allen of Haines, Holmes was one of three students who graduated from Haines High School in 1935. Living and working in Fairbanks without enough money for visits home, Holmes earned her education degree and went on to a 27-year career as...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/police-blotter/police-report/4920.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/police-blotter/police-report/4920.htmlMonday, June 10   An assembly member requested officer presence at the assembly chambers for an unruly audience. An officer responded. An officer delivered a no trespassing notice on an individual who had attempted to steal boards from the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds. A caller complained a driver had damaged his car’s window by speeding out of a parking lot, throwing gravel. Sunday,...Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/art-opening-at-the-sheldon-museum/4921.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/art-opening-at-the-sheldon-museum/4921.htmlFri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/parenting-in-the-trees/4922.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/parenting-in-the-trees/4922.htmlFri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/heave-ho-crewmen-tug-of-war/4923.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/heave-ho-crewmen-tug-of-war/4923.htmlFri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/barred-owl-takes-the-stage/4924.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/barred-owl-takes-the-stage/4924.htmlFri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/out-for-a-paddle/4925.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/out-for-a-paddle/4925.htmlFri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/derby-award-winner/4926.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/derby-award-winner/4926.htmlFri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/klukwan-villagers-march-on/4927.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/klukwan-villagers-march-on/4927.htmlFri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley Newshttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/access-blocked/4928.htmlhttp://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/story/2013/06/13/news/access-blocked/4928.htmlFri, 14 Jun 2013 10:06:00 ASTArticles from the June 13, 2013 edition of Chilkat Valley News